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(June 7, 2018) - - Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today announced that Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, of Shenzhen, China (“ZTE Corporation”) and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. of Hi-New Shenzhen, China (“ZTE Kangxun”) (collectively, “ZTE”) has agreed to severe additional penalties and compliance measures to replace the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) denial order imposed as a result of ZTE’s violations of its March 2017 settlement agreement. Under the new agreement, ZTE must pay $1 billion and place an additional $400 million in suspended penalty money in escrow before BIS will remove ZTE from the Denied Persons List. These penalties are in addition to the $892 million in penalties ZTE has already paid to the U.S government under the March 2017 settlement agreement.

ZTE will also be required by the new agreement to retain a team of special compliance coordinators selected by and answerable to BIS for a period of 10 years. Their function will be to monitor on a real-time basis ZTE’s compliance with U.S. export control laws. This is the first time BIS has achieved such stringent compliance measures in any case. ZTE is also required under the new agreement to replace the entire board of directors and senior leadership for both entities. Finally, the new agreement once again imposes a denial order that is suspended, this time for 10 years, which BIS can activate in the event of additional violations during the ten-year probationary period. These collectively are the most severe penalty BIS has ever imposed on a company.

“Today, BIS is imposing the largest penalty it has ever levied and requiring that ZTE adopt unprecedented compliance measures,” said Secretary Ross. “We will closely monitor ZTE’s behavior. If they commit any further violations, we would again be able to deny them access to U.S. technology as well as collect the additional $400 million in escrow. The first settlement with ZTE set a record for civil and criminal penalties in an export control case. This new settlement agreement sets another record, and brings the total penalties assessed on ZTE to $2.29 billion.”

The purpose of this settlement is to modify ZTE’s behavior while setting a new precedent for monitoring to assure compliance with U.S. law. Embedding compliance officers into the company vastly improves the speed with which the Department of Commerce can detect and deal with any violations.

BACKGROUND:

On April 15, 2018, BIS activated the suspended denial order against ZTE in response to ZTE falsely informing the U.S. Government that it would or had disciplined numerous employees responsible for the violations that led to the March 2017 settlement agreement. ZTE instead rewarded that illegal activity with bonuses. This action followed the March 2017 settlement agreement, in which ZTE agreed to a then record-high BIS civil penalty of $661 million, after engaging in a multi-year conspiracy to supply, build, and operate telecommunications networks in Iran using U.S.-origin equipment in violation of the U.S. trade embargo, and committing hundreds of U.S. sanctions violations involving the shipment of telecommunications equipment to North Korea. They also made false statements and obstructed justice by creating an elaborate scheme to prevent disclosures to and affirmatively mislead the U.S. Government. In addition to monetary penalties, ZTE had agreed to a seven-year suspended denial of export privileges, which could be activated if any aspect of the agreement was not met and/or if the company committed additional violations of the Export Administration Regulations.

The Commerce Department’s BIS is the principal agency involved in the implementation and enforcement of export controls for commercial technologies and many military items. The BIS Office of Export Enforcement detects, prevents, investigates and assists in the sanctioning of illegal exports of such items. For more information, please visit us at www.bis.doc.gov

Recent Articles

(March 18, 2019) - - Today, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) published the following information:

Washington D.C. – The second part of the White House 2020 budget proposal released today reaffirms the administration’s persistent, sprawling agenda to denigrate federal employees, shrink their paychecks and pensions... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 20, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson reported that Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino provided the following information:... read more

Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. White House provided the following transcript of Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure:

South Lawn12:25 P.M. EDT

Q Do you know when the Mueller report will be released, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT: I have no idea. No collusion. No collusion. I have no idea when it’s going to be released. It’s interesting that a man gets appointed by a deputy; he writes a report. You know — never figured that one out. A man gets appointed by a deputy; he writes a report.

I had the greatest electoral victory — one of them — in the history of our country. Tremendous success. Tens of millions of voters. And now somebody is going to write a report who never got a vote.

So we’ll see what the report says. Let’s see if it’s fair. I have no idea when... read more

(March 19, 2019) - - Today, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l published the following:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement after the White House announced today its intent to nominate Captain Steve Dickson as administrator of the Federal... read more

Washington, DC- - (March 19, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information

The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers today that it’s not too late to contribute to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) and still claim it on a 2018 tax return. Anyone with a traditional IRA may be eligible for a tax credit or... read more

En Route to Shannon, Ireland - - (March 18, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State provided the following transcript of U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo's remarks with the traveling press en route to Ireland:

SECRETARY POMPEO: Let me just say a couple things, and then happy to take a few questions. Had a great visit; it was fun to go back home. I think it really set up what we’ll do on the 4th and 5th in the Netherlands to be a very successful event for any American entrepreneurs and for American businesses, and I think it was a good message, and so it was a – that was a fun day.

(March 18, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the following information:

A New DHS for a New Age

On March 18, Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen delivered the 2019 State of Homeland Security Address, hosted by the Auburn University McCray Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security and George Washington University.

Washington, DC - - (March 16, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson reported that Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino provided the following information:... read more

Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. White House published the following Remarks by President Trump on the National Security and Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border:

Oval Office

3:29 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Earlier today, I spoke with Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the monstrous terror attacks at two mosques. These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing. You’ve all been seeing what went on. It’s a horrible, horrible thing. I told the Prime Minister that the United States is with them all the way, a hundred percent. Whatever they need, we will be there. New Zealand has been a great friend and partner for many years. Our relationship has never been better. And what they’re going through is absolutely terrible.

So our hearts are with them, and whatever we can do.

We’re grateful to be joined today by the Vice President — thank you very much, Mike, for being here — members of my Cabinet, devoted public servants, and Angel parents — very important people to me and to a lot of other people. I want to thank you all for being here. Thank you so much for being here, and we appreciate it. Thank you. You’ve gone through a lot. As we take action to restore our national sovereignty and defend this nation from criminal cartels, human traffickers, and drug smugglers. Crime of all kinds coming through our southern border and other places. But this is the place. This is the place. We have the biggest problem by far.

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information:

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today released Treasury International Capital (TIC) data for January 2019. The next release, which will report on data for February 2019, is scheduled for April 15, 2019.... read more

Congressional candidates running in 2017 and 2018 collected $2.8 billion and disbursed $2.7 billion, political parties received $1.6 billion and spent $1.5 billion, and political action committees (PACs) raised $4.7 billion and spent $4.6 billion during the 2017-2018 cycle, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission that cover financial activity from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018. Presidential candidates seeking office in 2020 raised $75.3 million and spent $63.1 million during this 24-month period. Disbursements for independent expenditures reported in this period totaled $1.3 billion. Electioneering Communications added up to $15.3 million and communication costs reported to the Commission totaled $10.8 million.

Activity from Jan. 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018
(figures in millions)

Filers

Receipts

Disbursements

2020 Presidential Candidates

$75.3

$63.1

2018 Congressional Candidates

$2,774.0

$2,718.3

Party Committees

$1,555.2

$1,501.8

PACs

$4,674.2

$4,554.1

Communications Filings

Total

Independent Expenditures

$1,301.0

Electioneering Communications

$15.3

Communication Costs

$10.8

This summary of campaign activity in the 2017-2018 cycle provides a benchmark for comparison with the same reporting period in previous cycles. Supporting data tables are linked at the end of each summary section below.

I. Presidential Candidates

As of December 31, 2018, 51 individuals had filed campaign finance reports disclosing financial activity in connection with the 2020 presidential election. These candidates reported raising $75.3 million and spending $63.1 million from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018. Their combined cash-on-hand was $19.9 million, while their combined debt was $7.2 million as of December 31, 2018.

Data summary tables for reports submitted to the Commission through December 31, 2018 by 2020 presidential candidate committees can be found here.

II. Congressional Candidates

United States House and Senate candidates running in the 2018 cycle reported raising a total of $2.8 billion and spending $2.7 billion between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Candidates for the two chambers reported combined total debts of $84.1 million and combined total cash-on-hand of $377.2 million as of December 31, 2018.

The following table summarizes campaign finance activity of House and Senate candidates through December 31 of election years since the 2007-2008 election cycle.
custom_table

Washington, DC - - (March 8, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

The Internal Revenue Service wants business owners and the self-employed to know that a publication on IRS.gov has information they can use to learn which recent tax-law changes impact their bottom line.

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State published the following Special Briefing (in the Press Briefing Room) with Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams:

MR PALLADINO: Welcome back. It’s Friday and we have with us Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams. Thank you for joining us again. Please.

MR ABRAMS: You’re very welcome. I’m going to start taking attendance and see how much interest there is here. (Laughter.)

A few things to start with. The diplomatic staff from Embassy Caracas arrived at Dulles Airport just after 11 o’clock last night, and they will be meeting the Secretary at 2:30 this afternoon. They will in essence continue their mission from other locations – from the State Department for the most part – to try to support the Venezuelan people as they struggle to return Venezuela to democracy.

Just a – on consular services, I think we’ve said this before, but some time ago – actually a month ago – we said that non-immigrant visas would be handled in Bogota; immigrant – excuse me, immigrant visas would be handled in Bogota for Venezuelans; non-immigrant visas can be applied for wherever the individual is, at any embassy or consulate around the world.... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information:

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six Russian individuals and eight entities in response to Russia’s continued and ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Today’s action targets individuals and entities playing a role in Russia’s unjustified attacks on... read more

(February 14, 2019) - - Today, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health made public the following information:

Beginning in April 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will offer a series of free, confidential health screenings to coal miners as part of the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP).... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State published the following, Remarks to the Press, made in the Press Briefing Room by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo:

SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. Today I’d like to make brief remarks on two foreign policy issues. But first, I want to offer my personal condolences to the nation of New Zealand in the wake of the grotesque mosque attacks in Christchurch. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and their families today. The United States condemns this hateful assault. We pledge our unwavering solidarity with the government... read more

(March 13, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Justice published the following information:

Statement of Office of Information Policy Director Melanie Ann Pustay Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform

Washington, DC
~ Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Good morning, Chairman Cummings, Ranking Member Jordan, and Members of the Committee. I am pleased to be here today to discuss the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to encourage agency compliance... read more

Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. White House provided the following transcript of Remarks by President Trump in Briefing on Drug Trafficking on the Southern Border:

Roosevelt Room2:27 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much for being here. I know that you’ve all been following the terrible tragedy of the Ethiopian Airlines crash this weekend. Tragic. The FAA is prepared to make a announcement very shortly regarding the new information and physical evidence that we’ve received from the site and from other locations, and through a couple of other complaints.

We’ve had a very, very detailed group of people working on the 737-8 and the 737-9 — new airplanes. We’re going to be issuing an emergency order of prohibition to ground all flights of the 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9, and planes associated with that line.

I’ve spoken to Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation; Dan Elwell, Acting Administrator of the FAA; and to Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing, and they’ll be available shortly after our conference today. They are all in agreement with the action.

Any plane currently in the air will go to its destination and thereafter be grounded until further notice. So planes that are in the air will be grounded — if they’re the 737 MAX — will be grounded upon landing at the destination. Pilots have been notified. Airlines have been all notified. Airlines are agreeing with this. The safety of the American people and all people is our paramount concern.

Our hearts go out to all of those who lost loved ones, to their friends, to their families, in both the Ethiopian and Lion Airlines crashes that involved the 737 MAX aircraft. It’s a terrible,... read more

Washington, DC - - (March 14, 2019) - - The U.S. Department of State's Offce of the Spokesperson published (today) the following information:

Today at the at the Third Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region,” the United States announced more than $397 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as part of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan for 2019-2020. This brings U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to the Syria crisis to more than $9.5 billion since the start of the crisis and reflects the steadfast commitment of the United States to providing lifesaving support to the people of Syria impacted by conflict both inside Syria and throughout the region. The U.S. appreciates all donors who have stepped up and continues to encourage both traditional and new donors to help meet growing needs

With this new funding to UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, non-governmental organizations,... read more

“The announcement of this middle list shows that we are committed to the important missions of these agencies and transparency in our selection process. USDA will make the best choice for our employees and customers,” Perdue said. “Relocation will help ensure that USDA is the most effective, most efficient, and most customer-focused agency in the federal government, allowing us to be closer to our stakeholders and move our resources closer to our customers.”

For this initial down-select, USDA applied a set of guiding principles against the Expressions of Interest locations including USDA travel requirements, labor force statistics, work hours most compatible with all USDA office schedules. Sixty-seven Expressions of Interest remain under consideration.

The complete list of Expressions of Interest still under consideration is below.

State

Location

Applicant(s)

AL

Birmingham

City of Birmingham; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Auburn University; Tuskegee University; Alabama A&M University; Economic Development Association of Alabama

AL

Shelby County

City of Hoover, Shelby County, 58 INC. – The Nonprofit Economic Coalition of Shelby County, the Birmingham Business Alliance, Alabama Power Company, Harbert Realty Services, and Select Income REIT / RMR Group